Heirloom (Noun);

An oscillation between a history and a resolute vision for the future

About The Heirloom Network

Viola Turner stood alone. First woman on the board at NC Mutual, she built a million-dollar investment portfolio during an era that was designed to silence her ambitions. She didn’t just break barriers—she dismantled them with elegance, strategic brilliance, and an unbreakable spirit.

Provident1898 isn’t just a space. It’s a testament to the Black women who transformed Durham’s Black Wall Street from a dream into an economic powerhouse. These women—like Viola—understood that business was never just about transactions, but about community, legacy, and radical hope.

The Heirloom Network emerges from their unwritten stories. We are the descendants of women who created wealth when the world said they couldn’t. Who built institutions when they were denied entry. Who nurtured businesses as extensions of their families and communities.

Here, we don’t just provide resources. We restore dignity. We amplify voices long overlooked. We recognize that your entrepreneurial journey is sacred—a continuation of a legacy written in resilience, creativity, and unrelenting vision.

Your success is not individual. It is collective. It is generational. It is an heirloom passed down, waiting to be honored.

The Heirloom Network is a membership-based support program for Black women entrepreneurs and creatives in Durham, NC.
We combine personalized business development, expert advising, coworking access, and monthly gatherings—centered on legacy, wellness, and connection.

About The Heirloom Network

Viola Turner stood alone. First woman on the board at NC Mutual, she built a multimillion-dollar investment portfolio during an era that was designed to silence her ambitions. She didn’t just break barriers—she dismantled them with elegance, strategic brilliance, and an unbreakable spirit.

Provident1898 is a testament to the Black women who transformed Durham’s Black Wall Street from a dream into an economic powerhouse. These women—like Viola—understood that business was never just about transactions, but about community, legacy, and radical hope.

The Heirloom Network emerges from their unwritten stories. We are the descendants of women who created wealth when the world said they couldn’t. Who built institutions when they were denied entry. Who nurtured businesses as extensions of their families and communities.

Here, we don’t just provide resources. We restore dignity. We amplify voices long overlooked. We recognize that your entrepreneurial journey is sacred—a continuation of a legacy written in resilience, creativity, and unrelenting vision.

Your success is not individual. It is collective. It is generational. It is an heirloom passed down, waiting to be honored.

 

You Belong Here If…

  • You’re an entrepreneur building with purpose, seeking support beyond traditional mentorship, and committed to creating impact that extends past individual success.
  • You’re a patient, strategic leader willing to invest in growth, viewing business as a nurturing process that values community wisdom and long-term vision.
  • You’re a first-gen business owner, social entrepreneur, or founder in tech, wellness, education, or community services – driving impact and navigating systemic barriers with intentional support.

What’s Included in Your Membership:

The Space.

Our home is the historic NC Mutual Building, a cornerstone of Durham’s Black Wall Street. We’ve created a beautiful workspace where natural light, art, and functionality come together. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a place to work, create, or simply think. You’ll find a community of focused but friendly people here. Best of all? It’s available on your terms with 24/7 keycard access.

 

The Community.

This isn’t just a random group of people. We’ve carefully cultivated a community of change-makers who bring their experiences to make a real difference in Durham. These are people passionate about building, having challenging but respectful conversations, and growing together. Our Monthly Connection Events bring together folks with shared interests, creating experiences that help you step away from daily pressures and reconnect with what inspires you.

The Advisors.

Our Heirloom Advisors are professionals who understand your challenges intimately, offering not just expertise, but guidance, and unwavering belief in your vision wrapped in genuine care.Think of it as a college advisor, but for your professional journey—and much more effective. These one-on-one sessions reassure you that you’re not alone in your challenges.

The Blueprint.

We offer guidance in two powerful ways. First, the Abaca assessment gives you a clear, level-by-level analysis of your business stage. It takes the frustration out of raising capital by giving you a common language for investors, a snapshot of your current position, and a roadmap forward. Second, we draw wisdom from Heirlooms like Viola Turner and Bess A. J. Whitted. Their lives serve as blueprints we can learn from to make our own journeys smoother.

The Heirloom Network, powered by Provident1898

Heirloom (Adj);

a precious possession passed down through generations within a family. 

Introducing TheWELL Circle

To guide you through this transformative experience we’ve blended the business strategy and personal well-being, to bring you TheWELL Circle, in partnership with TheWELL. At the heart of wellbeing lies connection, community, and courage. That’s why we’re proud to partner with TheWELL to introduce TheWELL Circle, a transformative space designed exclusively for women of color, especially Black women.

Meet the Coaches

Adrienne Simmons (right) of Simmons Life Strategies and Dr. Margaret A. Brunson (left) of Illumined Leadership Solutions are your guides on this journey to wellness.

What is TheWELL Circle?
TheWELL Circle is more than a program—it’s a movement. Rooted in love, courage, clarity, and presence, it provides a supportive and courageous space for us to prioritize our well-being and thrive.

Through monthly facilitated group coaching sessions, open dialogue, and shared experiences, TheWELL Circle empowers participants to nurture their personal and collective wellness. Guided by holistic wellness practices, we address the physical, emotional, and mental dimensions of health, cultivating resilience and balance in every aspect of life.

    Why Join The WELL Circle ?
    • Collective Support: Build meaningful connections with women who understand your journey and are committed to lifting each other up.
    • Positive Mindset: Cultivate resilience and clarity through intentional practices that encourage growth and self-discovery.
    • Sustainable Habits: Learn tools and strategies to create lasting routines that support your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
    • Cultural Relevance: Engage in a space rooted in the unique experiences and perspectives of women of color.
    • Holistic Approach: Address your whole self—mind, body, and spirit—through a blend of wellness practices and shared wisdom.

    The Support You Deserve—Finally Yours

    Monthly Connection Event

    At our monthly connection events you’ll find inspiration, build meaningful relationships, and reignite your creative spirit in a space that honors your journey

     

    TheWELL Circle

     

    • TheWELL offers ten monthly circles (group sessions) promoting & nurturing your personal and collective wellness
    • Access to Monthly Connection Events

    The Heirloom Network

    • Unlimited (24/7) access to Provident1898
    • Customized Abaca capital matching assessments
    • One-on-one personalized sessions with Heirloom Advisors
    • Access to Monthly Connection Events

    The Heirloom Network + TheWELL

    Our most comprehensive offering—includes everything from TheWELL Circle and The Heirloom Network. Perfect for those seeking the full suite of support on their journey.

      Limited scholarships available at time of purchase to reduce membership costs.

       

      Upcoming Experiences

      Right Place, Right Time.

      The moments that matter are waiting for you. Join us at our upcoming events and make lasting connections.

       

      Curious about The Heirloom Network?

      We’d love to tell you more at our upcoming info session!

      Whether you’re seriously considering membership or just want to learn what we’re all about, this session is designed for you. You’ll get an inside look at everything our membership offers, take a guided tour of our beautiful Provident1898 space, and learn more about the Heirloom Advisors.

      While we welcome new members throughout the year, joining an info session is the perfect way to experience our community firsthand and get all your questions answered. We look forward to meeting you!

      Missed Us for TheWELL Interest Session?

      Couldn’t Make TheWELL Circle Session? We’ve Got You Covered! We want to make sure you have all the information you need about TheWELL Circle, even if you couldn’t join us in person. Here’s what you need to know:

      Take a look at our comprehensive Orientation + Informational Session slide deck, which outlines TheWELL Circle’s purpose and all pricing details.

      Ready to join? Great! Complete our Interest Form (below). Once you submit, we’ll follow up with payment instructions and any additional details regarding the program. 

      Have questions? Dr. Margaret and Adrienne are here to help! Reach out to them directly at thewellrdu@gmail.com.

      📅 Sunday, April 6th
      🕑 2:00 PM
      📍 Provident1898 411 W. Chapel Hill Street Durham, NC

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